The much-anticipated AUKUS agreement involving Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States has met with a mix of support for its strategic vision and concern over sovereignty issues related to the control of nuclear-powered submarines. Critics, including former Australian Prime Ministers Malcolm Turnbull and Paul Keating, argue that the nation’s reliance on the US for nuclear propulsion technology could erode its sovereignty. However, Australian leaders firmly state that decisions about military asset deployment will remain under national control.
The assistant secretary of state, Daniel Kritenbrink, played down broader concerns about whether a future US president would approve or block the planned sale of at least three Virginia class submarines to Australia in the 2030s. Kritenbrink said during a visit to Canberra on Tuesday that “no one should doubt the strength” of the US commitment to the Aukus pact, which also includes the UK and collaboration on other advanced defence technologies.
During a press conference at the US embassy, Kritenbrink was questioned about past statements by US officials, including Aukus architect Kurt Campbell, who said last year: “When submarines are provided from the United States to Australia, it’s not like they’re lost – they will just be deployed by the closest possible allied force.” Campbell, a former White House official who is now the deputy US secretary of state, said last month the submarines had “enormous implications in a variety of scenarios.”
Despite these concerns, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has assured the public that the deployment of military assets would be “a decision for Australia as a sovereign nation.” Defence Minister Richard Marles further reinforced this stance, stating that Australia had made no military pre-commitments to the US. Marles has argued Australia must work with the US and other partners in the Indo-Pacific to avoid any “failure of deterrence” akin to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Kritenbrink said the US had “attempted to step up our game in a pretty significant way across the Pacific islands.” He raised concerns “about the implications of those agreements, including for the sovereignty of the countries involved”.
Relevant articles:
– In fiery speech, Aussie defense chief urges support for ‘extraordinary’ AUKUS subs, Breaking Defense, 05/10/2024
– US won’t guarantee Australia will have complete control of Aukus submarines, The Guardian, 05/07/2024